Trespass marijuana grow operation, over 800 plants found

From the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office:

On 06-23-2014, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Deputies drove to the Carrington Ranch, Kneeland in regards to a trespass marijuana growing operation. The caretakers of the ranch reported locating a large marijuana cultivation site on the property.

Deputies drove to the vicinity of the grow site and hiked approximately 40 minutes into the secluded location. Once on scene at approximately 12:00 p.m., deputies located Erick Paul Skillman, 32 years old, from Eureka, his 38 year old girlfriend and her 12 year old son. Skillman was living in a tent at the grow site. The 38 year old girlfriend and Skillman told deputies she was just visiting with her son.

Deputies located and removed 834 growing marijuana plants ranging from 6” to 2’ tall. There was a significant amount of trash, fertilizer and rodenticide was being used at the grow location. A records check of Skillman revealed he was on active parole. Skillman was arrested for a parole violation and for cultivation and possession for sale of marijuana. He was transported and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he is being held without bail.

Deputies determined the 38 year old woman had an apartment in Eureka. After she was identified and interviewed she was allowed to leave with her 12 year old son. Deputies will be submitting a criminal case to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office requesting she is also charged with cultivation and possession for sale of marijuana. The case is also being forwarded to Humboldt County Child Welfare services.

Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriffs Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriffs Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

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